An evaluation of the feasibility of a sustainable community based integrated aquaculture scheme in the Mafikeng local municipality

Abstract

The study was conducted through a survey on the Setumo and Lotlamoreng dams and in the commercial business districts of Maf ikeng and Mmabatho. It set out to evaluate the feasibility of a sustainable community based Integrated Aquaculture Scheme (IAS) in the Mafikeng Local Municipality (MLM). The study noted the pivotal role on a global scale, played by the fishing industry through provision of food of high nutritional value and creation of employment opportunities for both men and women. It showed the importance of the fishery industry in Sub-Saharan Africa through its contribution of 4% to the sub-region's gross domestic product in 1994. The importance of the fishery industry in South Africa was highlighted by its employment of about 85,000 men and women and its annual contribution of R2.5 billion to the country's economy. The study also showed that the fishing industry in the MLM had become signif icant through the initiative of about 150 youths that were self-employed fishermen. The findings of the study were that if an IAS were to be established in the MLM, it would be assured of the patronage of its stakeholders , many of whom were in their youth and were willing and capable of being trained to work on the IAS. Cash

flow projections of the IAS showed that the scheme could financially sustain its operations both in the short and long terms. These findings coupled with evidence adduced that integrated aquaculture was eco-friendly led to the conclusion that a sustainable community based IAS could be developed in the MLM if it received a capital grant to cover infrastructure development and kick-start its operations. The study recommended that: - The f ishermen in the Molopo basin community should formally constitute themselves into a legal entity through which they could seek funding . - Community members would have to request the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment to initiate studies on the IAS. - ,.The provincial government would have to be requested to conduct workshops to educate the Molopo community on; the management of community projects , work ethics , environmental awareness , a ims of the IAS, the criteria for selection of participants in the IAS. - There would have to be strict adherence to high a standard of hygiene practice in the IAS operations. - IAS operations would have to conform to environmental protect ion measures.